A Sandridge man who was a “thorn in the side of residents” has been banned from St Albans city centre.

Luigi Basile was handed a criminal behaviour order (CBO) by St Albans magistrates’ court for being drunk in public places, anti-social on public transport and making nuisance calls to emergency services.

This was a breach of a community protection notice (CPN) he had already been served.

Insp Adam Such said: “We’ve had an ongoing problem with street drinkers in the city centre for a very long time. We decided to trial CPNs and issued them to four prolific offenders in the city centre.

“It has proved successful with three of these people, however Basile continued to breach the conditions.

“As a result of that he received a CBO, which will last for two years. If he breaches it, he will be arrested and potentially face a custodial sentence.”

The order also prohibits Basile from Watford town centre, and NHS hospitals, unless he has an emergency or an appointment.

He has also been instructed not to enter any part of St Albans council with an open container of alcohol.

Insp Such continued: “I am pleased the court granted the order. The magistrates saw his unpleasant, abusive, and criminal behaviour has been a constant thorn in the side of residents, and agreed action was necessary.

“I hope this helps reassure residents we will not tolerate continual detrimental and anti-social behaviour.

“We will continue to use these powers to stop alcohol-fuelled criminality in St Albans.

“I hope it also sends a stark message to anyone else intent on causing disruption and anti-social behaviour.”

Criminal behaviour orders replaced drinking banning orders and anti-social behaviour orders, known as ASBOs.

This is the first CBO to be granted in St Albans.

Herts Police have asked anyone who sees Basile acting drunk and disorderly in the prohibited areas to call 101.